The must-see musical phenomenon Wicked has been dazzling theatregoers across the globe for two decades.
One of the most colourful and spectacular productions ever staged, the beloved fantasy musical Wicked is an ingenious re-imagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic of children’s literature, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, which has thrilled and fascinated the public - and other storytellers - since its publication in 1900.
The American author Gregory Maguire sought to re-tell Baum’s wondrous tale of Oz and his darkly brilliant novel ‘Wicked – The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ was first published in 1995, becoming a New York Times best-seller. The name of the novel’s protagonist, ‘Elphaba’, is derived from L. Frank Baum’s initials (L. F. B.) and Maguire’s revisionist tale, which he wrote while living in London, posed the question ‘Was the Wicked Witch of the West really wicked or the innocent victim of a corrupt regime?’
Wicked was adapted for the stage by Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee Winnie Holzman, creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’, with songs by multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the legendary composer and lyricist of ‘Godspell’ and ‘Pippin’.
Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of the Witches of Oz, revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.
The acclaimed Broadway director Joe Mantello was tasked with bringing this remarkable ‘untold story’ to life on stage and the intricate story-telling and soaring music play out in an epic production, complete with eye-popping technical wizardry and a glittering array of costumes. The production transports audiences to a magical fantasy world and the astonishing visuals combine with exhilarating choreography and brilliant performances to deliver a gripping story and an unforgettable experience.
The musical Wicked, based on the blockbuster novel, has subsequently become one of the most successful stage productions of all-time. The original Broadway production is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, whilst the London production, which opened in 2006, is soon to welcome its 12 millionth theatregoer.
The show’s London home, the Apollo Victoria Theatre, is located in the famed neighbourhood of Victoria (named in honour of Queen Victoria, 1819-1901). The majestic 2328-seat Art Deco theatre, complete with its emerald-green exterior lighting, is opposite Victoria National Rail and London Underground stations and minutes from many of the capital’s most famous and popular attractions, including Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery, and The Royal Mews, as well as many of its prestigious hotels, restaurants, theatres, and Royal Parks.
Soon to be a major two-part Universal Pictures film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande,
you can experience the spellbinding original stage production of Wicked right now. It’s the perfect choice for all age groups (recommended for ages 7+) and provides a stunning visual and live musical experience for theatre-lovers and London visitors.
